We are planning a 19 night trip to Italy in June. We are considering staying in Rome for 5 nights, going to an Agrotourismo for 5 nights in the Orvieto region, and then on to Lucca, Cinque Terra and ending in Venice for 3 days. We are unsure about the amount of days to spend in CT and Lucca. Also wondering if we should head down to Sorrento for a side trip to Pompeii. We want to keep our son entertained, any ideas?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
How great to have 19 days! Pompeii should be interesting to a 13 year old. You'd take the train from Rome to Naples and then catch a local commuter train to Pompeii. Herculaneum is on the way. Alternatively, Ostia Antica is just outside of Rome and would be an easy day trip.
How many days for Lucca and the Cinque Terre? Ideally I'd give Lucca two nights. You can see the town itself in a day but it's a delightful community. Responding for the Cinque Terre is going to provoke all kinds of arguments here. It's beautiful, the little towns are charming but I'd question making it a priority. I'd hope you'll have enjoyed some small Italian towns during your stay near Orvieto. I'd give more time to Venice.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Ah , Doug, 13 yr old boys will like CT I think as they will like to go swimming and how many of his friends will be able to say they got to swim in the Mediterrean.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
The locations you are describing are just fine. To me, there should be a balance of what you want to see AND examples of things the 13-year old would like to do and see. There are so many cultural things to share in Rome and Venice. The really cute Italian girls on scooters are extra. Have him help you with the train journeys. Give him the maps and train schedules. Once you start getting around on the trains, it's really easy. Pick olives or whatever in the agrotourismo. Plan a gelato stop every day. In Venice, he will really like planning rides on the vaporettos. I'm a senior and I had fun on the vaporettos. Two things not to miss in Venice would be the tour of the Doge's Palace and a tour of the Peggy Guggenheim museum. He doesn't have to like the art. The exposure and diversity of the art is important. He'll return home as an international young man.